The European road freight market and the implementation of Mobility Package I
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On behalf of DG MOVE, TML examined the European road freight market and the enforcement of Mobility Package I, that aims to ensure fair wages and competition, and to strengthen cabotage controls.
This study, carried out for DG MOVE, had two main objectives: to produce a new analytical report on the European road freight market, and to assess the impact of Mobility Package I. Introduced in 2022, the package aims to make the sector fairer and more socially responsible through updated rules on cabotage, establishment, the posting of drivers, and market access for light commercial vehicles.
Our research combined data from Eurostat and EU Member States with TML’s own surveys and expert interviews, in collaboration with the University of Antwerp.
Key findings
Impact of Mobility Package I
The package aims to ensure fair wages and competition, and to strengthen cabotage controls. However, enforcement remains weak — rules are not applied consistently across Member States, particularly regarding the posting of drivers. Improved compliance is essential to achieving a truly level playing field in the sector.
This study, carried out for DG MOVE, had two main objectives: to produce a new analytical report on the European road freight market, and to assess the impact of Mobility Package I. Introduced in 2022, the package aims to make the sector fairer and more socially responsible through updated rules on cabotage, establishment, the posting of drivers, and market access for light commercial vehicles.
Our research combined data from Eurostat and EU Member States with TML’s own surveys and expert interviews, in collaboration with the University of Antwerp.
Key findings
- Strong growth, particularly in international transport by companies from Poland, Romania, and the Baltic States, which are also highly active in cabotage.
- A shift towards parcel and groupage transport, while traditional cargo such as textiles and metals continues to decline.
- Small firms dominate: of the roughly 560,000 hauliers in the EU, most employ fewer than ten people and often operate as subcontractors for major logistics players. The largest 1% of companies generate around 40% of total turnover.
- Intense price competition, driven largely by lower labour costs in Eastern Europe, resulting in tight margins and limited investment capacity.
Impact of Mobility Package I
The package aims to ensure fair wages and competition, and to strengthen cabotage controls. However, enforcement remains weak — rules are not applied consistently across Member States, particularly regarding the posting of drivers. Improved compliance is essential to achieving a truly level playing field in the sector.
